Self-test: Is the "Foreign Trade Manager with Federal Diploma/Foreign Trade Manager with Federal Diploma (HFP)" course the right one for me?
Test here whether a job as an expert in foreign trade with a federal diploma suits you and whether a preparatory course for the federal higher professional examination "Foreign Trade Manager" (formerly Export Manager and Import Manager, abolished as of 2014) is the right path for you.
What does the day-to-day work of a foreign trade manager with a federal diploma look like?
Foreign trade managers work in internationally active trading, service or production companies in a senior management position. They have overall responsibility for import, export and transit trade services. Together with the management, they develop an import and export-oriented risk management system and implement strategies for optimizing internal and external processes and interfaces. They look after major customers personally and organize territorial responsibility and support by involving suitable distributors.
These activities require good manners and a good command of foreign languages. They must also be familiar with the customs of the business partner's cultural environment.
They also review and optimize the delivery of goods and services, taking into account economic and ecological factors. You will draw up and monitor partial and total budgets, calculate and interpret business figures and draw conclusions from them in order to derive and implement appropriate measures for the company.
Question 1:
Do the activities described meet your expectations? Would you like to work as a foreign trade manager?
Great!
If you don't like all the jobs, think about which ones interest you the most. Also take a look at relevant job advertisements. You may find that there are only jobs that you are more suited to, in which case you are in the right place with this training.
Here is a list for inspiration:
- Operations Manager Transport and Logistics (HFP)
- Retail trade manager (HFP)
- Purchasing Manager (HFP)
- Logistician (HFP)
- Public Transport Manager (HFP)
- Freight forwarding manager (HFP)
- Supply Chain Manager (HFP)
- Sales Manager (HFP)
If you don't like the activities, take a look at the numerous other further training opportunities. You will find a large selection on Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch.
Target group and skills: For whom is the Advanced Federal Diploma in Foreign Trade Management suitable? What qualities and skills are required?
The course and the higher professional examination for "Foreign Trade Manager with Federal Diploma" and "Foreign Trade Manager with Federal Diploma" are suitable for
- Foreign trade specialists and export specialists with a federal certificate who wish to further their education and thus increase their market attractiveness
- People with a managerial position in export, import, cross-trade, in an internationally oriented bank or in an international forwarding or transportation company who want to take the next step in their career
Foreign trade managers should have the following personal qualities and skills:
- Service awareness
- Networked thinking and action
- Negotiating skills
- Organizational talent
- Analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Sociability
- Winning appearance
Question 2:
Do you belong to one of the target groups for this training course and do you have the necessary personal qualities?
Great!
- If you do not belong to any of the above-mentioned groups, you cannot apply for the federal diploma directly. In this case, take a look atfollowing page. You may come across further training courses here that are aimed precisely at people like you.
- If you do not have the necessary professional experience in foreign trade, use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs.
- If you do not have the necessary personal qualities and skills, you will not be happy in this demanding management role. Look out for further training opportunities that offer a professional specialization that better suits your skills.
- If you are unsure whether you are well suited to such a role, it is best to discuss this with your line manager or career advisor. You can find suitable providers of career advice and career coaching here:
Prerequisites for admission to the higher professional examination for foreign trade managers:
Persons who fulfill the following conditions by the time of the examination date or examination registration are admitted to the Higher Professional Examination for Foreign Trade Managers:
- Federal diploma as a foreign trade specialist (BP) or equivalent and at least two years of relevant professional experience* in foreign trade since obtaining the federal diploma
Or
- Federal certificate of proficiency (EFZ), diploma from a federally recognized commercial college, high school diploma or equivalent and at least six years of relevant professional experience in foreign trade since obtaining the diploma
Or
- Diploma from a university, university of applied sciences, university of applied sciences (HF) or higher professional examination in the commercial field or an equivalent qualification and at least three years of relevant professional experience in foreign trade since obtaining the qualification
You will find out whether you have been admitted to the higher professional examination at least four months before the start of the examination with a written notification including reasons in the event of a negative decision.
*Part-time employment of less than 80% is counted pro rata, so the required duration is extended accordingly.
Note: Some schools are prepared to admit you to a preparatory course for the Advanced Federal Examination for Foreign Trade Managers if you do not (yet) meet the criteria for admission to the federal examination. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements at the time of the examination/examination registration. At some schools, it is also possible to attend the course without the intention of taking an examination. Admission requirements vary depending on the provider.
Question 3:
Do you meet the requirements for admission?
Great!
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for foreign trade managers, clarify your chances directly with the examination board,Swissmem- ASM Employers' Association of the Swiss Engineering Industry andTrade Switzerland.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in foreign trade, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
If you are not sure whether your professional experience will be recognized as professional experience for foreign trade managers, clarify your chances directly with the examination regulations sponsor, theSwissmem- ASM Employers' Association of the Swiss Engineering Industry andTrade Switzerland.
If you have little or no professional experience, you have the following options:
- Use professional job boards to search for suitable jobs where you can gain experience.Hereyou will find helpful information.
- If you know someone from your private or professional environment who is already working in foreign trade, ask this person for tips and whether he/she would support you in your job search. He/she will certainly have the relevant contacts and connections.
If you are not sure whether your qualifications will be accepted for the higher professional examination (equivalence test), please contact theExamination secretariat.
SERI is responsible for assessing the equivalence of foreign qualifications for admission to the HFP.Hereyou will find more information.
Subject matter and content of the training
The subject matter of the preparatory courses for the higher professional examination for foreign trade managers is based on the specifications of the sponsor of the federal examination, Swissmem - ASM Employers' Association of the Swiss Mechanical Engineering Industry and Swiss Trade.
The following topics are covered in the preparation courses:
- Corporate management
- Organization of foreign trade
- Business processes in foreign trade
- Framework conditions for foreign trade
- Marketing and communication
- Finance and accounting
- International law
- Self-management
- Risk management
Question 4:
Are you interested in this content, would you like to acquire knowledge in these subject areas?
Great! You can look forward to exciting and instructive hours in which you will broaden your knowledge horizon and skills - aspects that are in demand on the job market and increase your career and salary opportunities.
If you are only partially interested in the content of this federal diploma, take a look at other training and further education courses in the field of marketing. You may find a course that suits you better. You will find inspirationhere.
Obviously the typical subject areas of foreign trade managers with a federal diploma are not your thing. Take a look at other further training courses instead. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a wide range of options.
Costs and financing of further training
The costs vary depending on the provider (apart from the examination fee, which is set by the HFP sponsor). In general, the following costs must be expected for the 2-4-semester in-service training course to become a foreign trade manager:
- Course feesbetween CHF 14,500 and CHF 18,600, of which you will receive around 50% back from the federal government after the examination (regardless of the result)*.
- External examination feesCHF 2,120 (as at: 2023) The examination fee is set by the sponsor of this higher professional examination or course. It is paid by the candidate after admission has been confirmed.
- Extra costsAt some schools, the costs for teaching materials, training documents and simulation exams, for example, are not included in the course fees. Additional costs must also be expected for any preliminary courses, such as in finance and accounting.
Please contact the provider of your choice directly to find out what additional costs you can expect.
*Since 1.1.2018, preparatory courses for federal professional examinations (BP) and higher professional examinations (HFP) have been financially supported by the federal government. Graduates of these courses will therefore be reimbursed up to 50% (max. CHF 9,500 for BP, max. CHF 10,500 for HFP) of the course costs paid upon application after taking the federal examination. In exceptional cases of hardship, the federal contributions will also be paid out in advance.
Question 5:
Are you able to pre-finance around CHF 16,620 - CHF 20,720 for the course and exam?
Great! Here's another tip: If you are able to pay the full amount in advance, ask the school of your choice whether they offer a special discount for full payment in advance. Some schools also offer a discount for early booking.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Most schools allow you to pay the course costs in installments. Most schools charge a small surcharge for payment in installments.
Ask your employer whether they will contribute to the costs.
Perhaps there is someone in your private circle who will support your further education project with a loan. A bank or credit institution may also support you with an education loan. You will be able to repay some of the borrowed funds immediately after the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination with the federal contribution.
Information on financial support options from the employer, federal government, canton, foundations or through loans from the Education Promotion FoundationEducaSwissyou will receive in ourAdvisor"How to finance your further training properly".
Information on financial support for temporary workers from "temptraining", the further training fund of the temporary employment sector, can be found athere.
Duration of study, number of lessons and learning effort
- Further training to become a foreign trade manager has a modular structure and lasts 2-4 semesters, depending on the provider.
- The course is offered at different times. These time variants are determined independently by the respective schools, so there may be differences.
- Many schools offer a mix of face-to-face and online courses (online, hybrid teaching, blended learning) as well as self-study. You can therefore choose the format that allows you to combine further education with your family, career and free time in the best possible way.
- Thanks to the in-service training concept, you can apply and deepen the learning material in practice straight away. Nevertheless, you should allow sufficient time for preparation and follow-up of the lessons and for self-study - how much depends on your prior knowledge, working style and learning speed. We recommend that you allow at least 4-6 hours per week as a precaution.
Note: Some schools offer so-called "taster lessons". This gives you the opportunity to gain an insight into the lessons and the learning atmosphere. Important aspects on the way to a successful graduation. It is best to contact the school of your choice directly for a taster lesson.
Question 6:
Can you find the time for lessons and self-study?
Great!
Tip for self-study: Set yourself realistic daily or weekly targets and think about a small reward when you have achieved them. A good study strategy not only motivates you, but also protects you from chaotic, stressful study days and nights shortly before the exam.
If you do not have that much time, contact the providers and clarify whether you can possibly complete the course over more than four semesters.
If you still don't have enough time, check whether you can create space for yourself elsewhere. Perhaps someone close to you can take on certain tasks for you for the duration of your training?
Degree, diploma and title
The higher professional examination for foreign trade managers is held once a year if at least 12 candidates meet the admission requirements, otherwise at least every two years. Candidates can take the examination in German, French or Italian.
Candidates are notified at least 40 calendar days before the start of the examination. The invitation includes the examination program (place and time of the examination) and the list of experts.
The higher professional examination is divided into the following parts:
1. diploma thesis (written, prepared in advance)
With the diploma thesis, candidates demonstrate that they are able to work on a problem from the field of foreign trade in a practice-oriented and independent manner, as well as develop and plan appropriate solutions and/or concepts. The assessment criteria can be found in the guidelines.
2. presentation of diploma thesis (oral, 15 minutes)
The candidates present their thesis to a panel of experts.
3. technical discussion (oral, 30 minutes)
This is followed by a technical discussion with experts about the thesis. The candidates answer the experts' questions about the content, procedure, results and questions of the thesis.
4. integrated case study (written, 240 minutes)
In this part of the examination, candidates solve a cross-thematic case study. They develop, analyze and optimize the corresponding action strategies as well as management and work tools.
5. management (written, 180 minutes)
In this written examination, various professional business administration topics are tested, such as management, organization, marketing, finance and accounting.
6. technical discussion (oral, 60 minutes)
In this part of the examination, candidates face at least two experts on various questions from the fields of foreign trade and business administration.
Diploma and title
Successful graduates of the higher professional examination receive a federal diploma and are entitled to use the federally recognized and protected title "Certified Foreign Trade Manager".
In French: "Responsable du commerce international diplômée / Responsable du commerce international diplômé"
In Italian: "Responsabile del commercia estero diplomata / Responsabile del commercia estero diplomato"
In English (This is only a recommendation/translation and not a protected title): "Executive Foreign Trade Specialist, Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education"
Question 7:
Do you have the confidence to pass the Advanced Federal Diploma Examination?
Great!
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are unsure, we recommend that you attend an information event on this course.
Arrange a personal consultation appointment with the school of your choice or the sponsor of the higher professional examination, theSwissmem- ASM Employers' Association of the Swiss Engineering Industry andTrade Switzerland. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school management about support options. Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training.
Here are some general success factors on the way to a new training qualification:
- Regular attendance of lessons
- Actively contribute your questions, don't leave anything half-understood in the room!
- Interest in the topic and active participation in class
- Detailed preparation and follow-up of the lesson material at home
- Committed cooperation in group work, processing of case studies, etc.
- Participation in learning groups for regular exchange
- Intensive exam preparation: practise exam situations and gain exam experience, e.g. in simulation exams
If you are not at all confident of passing the final examination but would like to complete the course, it is best to arrange a personal consultation appointment with a school or the sponsor of the higher professional examination,Swissmem- ASM Employers' Association of the Swiss Engineering Industry andTrade Switzerland. Explain your interest and your concerns and see how your counterpart reacts to which points and what they recommend.
Ask the school of your choice whether there are any support options for you.
Also consider whether you would like other support, for example from learning therapists or coaches, autogenic or mental training. You can find suitable offers here:
No, the course for the Federal Diploma in Foreign Trade Management (HFP) does not suit you. What a pity? - Perhaps not, because there are so many other opportunities for further training. One or the other would certainly suit you much better.
Check which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Foreign Trade Manager (HFP) is probably not the right further education goal for you.
Are you surprised or disappointed? Perhaps take the test again and see where your ideas or possibilities deviate from the ideal job. Perhaps this will point you in the direction of more suitable further training.
Then see which other further training courses interest you. ToEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
This is a half-hearted result: working as a foreign trade manager (HFP) doesn't seem ideal for you. Or is it perhaps the form of training that doesn't appeal to you or isn't a good organizational fit?
See which other further training courses are suitable for you. OnEducation-Further-Education.chyou will find a large selection of offers.
Training to become a foreign trade manager is not ideal for you - or is it?
If you are unsure, it is best to attend the providers' information events. There you can find out more about further training and discuss your personal options and questions directly with the specialist representatives present.
Directly to the schools:
"Foreign trade manager with federal diploma / foreign trade manager with federal diploma (HFP)"
This training seems to suit you.
As a next step, we recommend that you attend an information event at suitable schools and obtain details of the exact costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Foreign trade manager with federal diploma / foreign trade manager with federal diploma (HFP)"
This course seems to be made for you!
The best thing to do now is to attend information events at the schools you are interested in and find out everything you need to know about the specific content, costs and dates.
Directly to the schools:
"Foreign trade manager with federal diploma / foreign trade manager with federal diploma (HFP)"